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‘Elvis All-Star Tribute’ Assembles Star-Studded Line-up

On Elvis Presley’s birthday (January 8th, 1935), NBC reveals the mesmerizing talents who will honor the King of Rock n’ Roll in Elvis All-Star Tributeairing Sunday, February 17 from 9 -11 p.m. EST.

NBC’s tribute celebrates the 50 year anniversary of Elvis’ ” ’68 Comeback Special,” which is a personal favorite. Not only does he look amazing in a black leather jumpsuit – swoon – we see a more candid and fun-loving Elvis. He has fun on that small square stage, banters with the band, and closes the show with a poignant, and optimistic message, “If I Can Dream.”

The two-hour program will be hosted by Shelton and pay tribute to Elvis Presley’s “’68 Comeback Special,” recreating the iconic night with musical performances, a showcase of rare footage and interviews with Priscilla Presley and Steve Binder, the director of the original special, plus a special appearance from Lisa Marie Presley.

What a spectacular line-up! NBC’s done a great job of mixing up the talent so fans of all ages and musical genres remain equally entertained. Country stars, pop powerhouses, gospel, hip-hop and even a little Latin flavor.

I hope everyone does “The King” justice, while still putting their personal spin on the song. Elvis has one of the best voices of all time so walking his “Blue Suede Shoes” won’t be easy (though we’re sure Adam Lambert will nail the iconic number. I’m also thrilled to see Blake Shelton cover one of my favorite songs – “Suspicious Minds” and I’m sure his charm and humor will make him a fun host for this tribute.

But wait, there’s more!

On February 15th – two days before the special airs – the companion album “The Best of the ’68 Comeback Special” will be released by Sony Music Entertainment’s RCA/Legacy Recordings. Here’s a look at what the album contains:

An ideal set for longtime Elvis fans and newcomers, “The Best of the ’68 Comeback Special” comprises the Elvis recordings and performances that inspired the upcoming tribute and showcases a new version of the legendary closing number, “If I Can Dream,” as heard in the new special — featuring Elvis’ original vocals alongside new performances by Carrie Underwood, Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton. The album features 15 remastered Elvis performances from the “stand-up” and “sit-down” shows filmed for the ’68 broadcast, plus three original studio recordings to represent songs that appear in the new special.

Elvis shook us all up then, so it is no surprise his work continues getting remastered, remixed and redone with every generation. No matter how much time passes, “the King” lives on through his work.